Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in fresh lime and cilantro, served with a creamy avocado salsa bursting with flavor. This mexican-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 33 minutes pairs large shrimp, fresh lime juice, cilantro leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the shrimp onto skewers, about 5-6 shrimp per skewer.
  3. Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: While shrimp cook, mix 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion, 1 small seeded and minced fresh jalapeño, and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro with a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl to make avocado salsa.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers topped with the avocado salsa for a refreshing Whole30 seafood dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cilantro-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Salsa whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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